Blog Tour Stop/Giveaway: Only in September

 

Check out the tour stop for Cynthia Flowers' Only in September today and make sure to enter the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner from the author. Make sure to check out all the tour stops HERE to enter on those stops as well. The tour is sponsored by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Chatting with author Cynthia Flowers

Tell us about your latest book, who are the main characters and what we can expect when we pick it up. In my latest book, there are two main characters—though if you consider the enchanting, tear-drop-shaped Block Island a character, then there are three. From the very first pages, you'll find yourself drawn to Jacqueline, our protagonist, as she embarks on a journey toward a life she only dared to dream of. Her world shifts almost instantly when a chance encounter with Michael, a local beachcomber whose presence on the island seems serendipitous. What Jacqueline doesn’t realize yet is that this fleeting moment is the spark that will set her transformation into motion.

Taking the story from a concept to a published book is a long and involved process. How does that usually work for you? I've been fortunate—the journey from concept to published book has been a pleasure. With both my debut work of fiction and my previous book, a memoir, the process was not only exciting but surprisingly smooth. I found myself eagerly anticipating each phase, from the first spark of an idea to the meticulous work of editing. The creative energy and refinement that go into shaping a book have been deeply rewarding, and I hope this positive experience continues as I embark on my next project.

Which of your books would you recommend for readers to choose first if they’re new to you and your books? It depends! My first published work, Last Dog and Those Who Came Before, is a heartfelt memoir chronicling life with our five beloved dogs over the course of 18 years. My latest book, Only In September, a novella, takes inspiration from a mix of real and imagined people and experiences—set against the backdrop of a very real island. And, much like my memoir, dogs play a central role in the story.

If you're a dog lover, I wholeheartedly recommend reading both. Which one to start with? That’s entirely up to you—whether you prefer a deeply personal reflection on life with dogs or a richly woven fictional tale where they take center stage.

We are very curious about your writing process.  What is a typical writing day like for you? Once a story has had time to take shape in my imagination, I find that having at least a working title helps set the creative process in motion. As a morning person, I prefer to write early in the day, diving into the work until I’ve exhausted my thoughts—or until my four-year-old Labrador, Eddie, reminds me it’s time for a walk. There’s a rhythm to my routine, a balance between deep focus and moments of reflection, and I find that stepping away—whether for a stroll with Eddie or simply to reset—often brings fresh perspective when I return to the page.

What trope have you not written yet but want to? That’s a great question. I’ve always been drawn to stories with a mystical or time-transcendent quality—something that lingers between reality and the unknown. When I drive through the countryside and pass old, abandoned farmhouses, I often find myself wondering what stories they’d tell if they could. The echoes of past lives, forgotten secrets, and shifting timelines feel like fertile ground for storytelling. It’s an idea I plan to explore further—perhaps during my long hikes with Eddie, where inspiration often finds me before I ever put pen to paper.

How do you approach character development in your stories? That’s another great question. To be honest, I don’t follow any specific techniques—though perhaps it’s something I should explore more. For me, character development unfolds naturally through interactions. The way characters connect, the roles they take on, and the cause-and-effect moments within the story all help shape them organically. Their relationships and choices guide my process, allowing their personalities and arcs to evolve in ways that feel true to the narrative.

What do you believe sets your writing apart from others in your genre, and why should readers choose to read your books? I haven’t read extensively within this genre, so I can’t say for certain how my work compares—but I do know one thing: dogs will always be an integral part of my storytelling. Whether they serve as a vehicle to shape the narrative, provide support to the main characters, or take center stage themselves, their presence is woven deeply into my work. That, I believe, is what sets my writing apart and will continue to do so. For readers who appreciate the profound connection between humans and dogs, my books offer a unique perspective that brings that bond to life.

Can you discuss any upcoming projects or books that you're currently working on? What can readers expect from your future works? Since recently stepping into a new career as a grant writer, much of my time and focus has been dedicated to mastering this role. However, once I find my rhythm, I anticipate that my creative mind will have the space to flourish again—allowing fresh story ideas to take shape. While I may not have an upcoming project to announce just yet, I look forward to seeing where inspiration leads me next.

ONLY IN SEPTEMBER

AUTHOR: Cynthia Flowers

GENRE:  Women's Fiction

Available at Amazon

 

When Jacqueline follows her trusty Labrador Bailey down a hidden path to the beach, she's unaware that her vacation plans on a small island off the New England coast has already taken her life in a new direction. Running into an unassuming local beach comber stirs new thoughts, desires, and a self-determination she never knew she possessed. Jacqueline will need to trust her instincts and make the most of what fate has in store if she wants the future that, until now, she has only dared to dream of.

Excerpt One:

 

The ferry was taking its sweet time making its way to Block Island.

 

Time is the ultimate dictator. Where did I hear that? I couldn’t have just come up with that one on my own.

 

Jacqueline French grabbed one of the last outside seats on the Block Island Ferry. It had only left Point Judith, RI, ten minutes ago, but for her, it seemed like ten hours ago. This would be her fourth September visiting this tiny tear drop-shaped island nestled between the south coast of Rhode Island and Montauk Point, located at the eastern tip of the south fork of Long Island, New York.

 

Over the last several years, both Montauk Point and Block Island had become popular and expensive vacation destinations for well-to-do Manhattanites. They came seeking a reprieve from the overly manicured crowds who flocked every summer to the more fashionable vacation locale known collectively as the Hamptons.

 

She always preferred visiting Block Island this time of year, after many of the Labor Day vacation stragglers dispersed and the kids were back at school. Although there were still a fair number of visitors, the din of racing mopeds was confined mostly to the weekends. Thanks to Michael, who she met on her first trip to Block Island, she came to know virtually every back road and trail on this seven-mile-long by three-mile-wide island. Beyond its beauty, Jacqueline’s deeper connection with the island was its shape. She shed many tears lately over the fate of her marriage and the direction her life had taken.

AUTHOR Bio and Links: 

Cynthia Flowers, a recently retired advertising professional, now grant writer, resides with her husband and four-year old Labrador named Eddie, at their “sanctuary” in Upstate New York, Although previously published, this is Cynthia's first book of fiction. Early on in grade school, Cynthia looked forward to creative writing class and enjoyed reading her stories aloud to her eager classmates.

Amazon Author Page